Basic Interviewing Techniques

SFC Debbi Newton

Objectives: Become familiar with the pieces

of information required for a successful story.

Become familiar with different techniques for gathering information

during an interview.

““Never ask a question to which youNever ask a question to which youdo not know the answer”do not know the answer”

Schedule a time to meet the subject – do not be latedo not be late. Establish, in advance, how much time you expect to need.

Have a few questions ready to begin the interview.

Be sure to have with you:▪ Pens/Pencils▪ Notebook▪ Voice recorder (as a backup – never as your

only source)

Take complete notes – don’t be afraid to ask someone to slow down or repeat something. Accuracy is Accuracy is important!important!

Be sure to clarify any information that you don’t understand – abbreviations or acronyms.

Finish notating the answer before asking the next question.

NameName – First M Last RankRank – Staff Sgt. TitleTitle – platoon sergeant MOSMOS – current and/or previous – full name, not 91B UnitUnit – Company B, 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry

Regiment Time in serviceTime in service – Guard & other services DeploymentsDeployments – if any HometownHometown Civilian CareerCivilian Career EducationEducation

Some info will be used, some may not be. The purpose of these questionsis as much about putting the subject at ease and building rapport as it isabout gathering story information. This also helps to establish the intervieweeas the subject matter expert the subject matter expert for the story.

WhoWho is this story about? WhatWhat happened? WhenWhen did the event take place? WhereWhere did the event occur? WhyWhy did it happen? HowHow did it happen? How is the event

relevant to the Guard/Military?

A story is not complete until all of these questions haveA story is not complete until all of these questions havebeen answered in the reader’s mind.been answered in the reader’s mind.

Interview one person at a time (whenever possible)

Ask direct, open-ended questions▪ Avoid Yes or No questions

If an answer begins to move away from the focus of the story, be sure to bring the focus back with the next question

When you have finished your questions, ask:

““Is there anything else that you’d like to add that we haven’t yet Is there anything else that you’d like to add that we haven’t yet covered?”covered?”

Be sure to thank your subject for the time

Before leaving an interview, be sure to ask:

““Is it alright if I contact you with anyIs it alright if I contact you with anyfollow-up questions?”follow-up questions?”

Obtain a phone number and email address for each interviewee

If there are additional questions to be addressed, make contact as soon as possible

One source is not enoughA complete story requires more than

one sourceA source is a subject matter expert

or witness to an eventMinimum of two interviewsOther sources:

▪ Internet (be sure that source is reputable)▪ Books▪ Films▪ Other reference materials

What are your questions?What are your questions?